Prepared by Messenger Staff
Two Georgian Citizens Illegally Detained by Russian Forces Near Dirbi
Russian occupying forces illegally detained two Georgian citizens near the village of Dirbi in Kareli municipality, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) reported on February 16.
Upon receiving the report, the SSSG activated the EU Monitoring Mission's "hotline" and informed the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) as well as international partners.
The agency stated that all available mechanisms have been mobilized to secure the swift release of the detained individuals.
"The responsibility for all destructive acts committed in the occupied territories of Georgia, as well as along the occupation line, lies with the occupying power," the SSSG emphasized.
Georgia Condemns Abkhazia's So-Called Presidential Elections
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Georgia has condemned the so-called presidential elections in Russian-occupied Abkhazia, calling on the international community to respond.
In a statement on February 15, the MFA stressed that the so-called elections "grossly violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders," are "unlawful," and "have no legal effect as they contradict the fundamental principles and norms of international law."
The ministry urged the international community to "properly assess and respond" to actions undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It also called on Russia to halt violations, fulfill its international obligations - including the EU-mediated August 12, 2008, Ceasefire Agreement - and withdraw its forces from Georgian territory.
